Buying glasses with progressive lenses.

Last year I finally bought a pair of prescription glasses with progressive lenses that I bought from my local JC Penneys optical center. The service and selection at Penneys were okay, but I never seemed to be able to get used to the glasses and I'm not sure if the fit was ever done correctly. The glasses cost around $400.00. A few days ago I found that my new puppy had chewed the frames and lenses, and that they were out of warranty. Instead of JC Penney, I went to an independent optician, just to see what they had to offer. I found that the optician had more "high end" frames, and that the cost of frames lenses would be $700.00. Does this cost sound reasonable? Any advantage to buying from a chain (Eyeglass Express, Lenscrafters) vs an independent optician? Have any of you had difficulties adjusting to progressive lenses?

by Anonymous

reply 148

03/02/2015

[quote]Don't know what it is about puppies and glasses

Dogs are attracted to the "ear" smell (just like they love crotches and asses).

Wait until you start dropping a couple thousand for a hearing aid and the dog treats it like a Scooby Snack.

by Anonymous

reply 11

08/01/2010

Progressive lenses provide a continuous range of lens strengths without any lines. It's easy to adjust the focal length by scanning up or down. Mine also correct an astigmatism. Bifocals provide only 2 lenses and there is that telltale. line. If you can't afford to have progressive lenses fit by a certified progressive lens expert, stick with bifocals.

by Anonymous

reply 15

08/01/2010

The BIG problem with progressives, there is no peripheral vision with these lenses, I wore them for six months, I couldn't get used to them. The store made me two new pairs. I actually have three pairs of glasses! Reading/computer lenses, stronger strength for concerts and other events where I need to see distance very clearly and my old prescription has become my mid range comfortable pair of eyeglasses. The $400 quotes here for progressives are actually very low, you can't be from NY or California. Depending on the frames, type of coating, strength of prescription, thinness of lenses etc, progressives in NYC would run from $500-$800.

by Anonymous

reply 16

08/01/2010

The $400 price for my glasses was 5 years ago in a Seattle suburb. The lenses are a hardened polycarbonate. They are very thin but the prescription is strong. With a few exceptions, you should only lose peripheral vision if the lenses are not sized and fitted perfectly. The only area that I cannot see well is ground nearby my feet. The high magnification at the bottom of the lens only works at a short focal length. Jumping across a creek with my glasses on is a challenge. There is no loss in peripheral vision from side to side or upward.

by Anonymous

reply 17

08/01/2010

I love progressive lenses. However they are indeed expensive - recently priced them and the cheapest progressive I could find was about $400 for the lenses alone. That's similar (time-adjusted) to what I paid for my older lenses %0D %0D If Costco does have a good rep for accurate lens-making, I'll be checking them out.%0D %0D Progressives are NOT the same as no-line bifocals or trifocals. There is quite a difference among them re: which area of the lens is valid for each distance, how large each area is, how much 'plain glass space' there is. A good optician can sketch that out for you.%0D %0D I believe independent research showed that Walmart had a much higher rate of errors in their lenses. This might have been from CR, I don't recall, but the info was sound enough that I haven't considered them a source for prescription lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 19

08/01/2010

Lenscrafter was going to charge me over 700 for progressives, went to my optician, got them thru her for a lot less. I hated the progressives, went to bifocals but think I'd rather keep switching glasses from Reades to distance. Hate the bifocals to.

by Anonymous

reply 21

08/01/2010

Progressive lens are harder to get used to, but depending on your prescription, they can a necessity. I am near sighted but to such a degree that I am probably legally blind without glasses. I also have astigmatism. Lens Crafters were good enough. I bought my frame on sale and the lens were indeed about $700 but my insurance paid for $300 of that. Lens Crafters has all sorts of discounts all the time. For example, if you are a member of TripleA you will get a discount.

The lens were expensive because of the same reasons R11 mentioned. If I didn't get the expensive thin lens my prescription would make coke bottles look more attractive.

by Anonymous

reply 22

08/01/2010

Lenscrafters progressives with frames - $350

by Anonymous

reply 25

08/01/2010

Lenscrafters was way over 700 for progressives for me and the frames were on sale so not sure what you were getting 25. I even had the Triple A discount,10%

by Anonymous

reply 26

08/01/2010

Agree R26, probably not the high index for $350, which I need also to get my coke bottle prescription into a reasonably modern frame.

by Anonymous

reply 28

08/01/2010

Cheap Bastard here. I have progressives and very expensive frames ... but I found out how to keep the price lower.

I went to a high end glass boutique in Manhattan. They wanted like $350 for the frames alone. Told them I would think about it and asked them to write down the style number and such. Went on-line, found the frames, bought them for $90 and had the lenses put in at the most affordable place I could find in NYC. In the end the total cost was under $300!

Don't LOVE the progressives but need the extra strength and don't want to change glasses all the time depending on need. Also got the transitional lenses that become sunglasses outside. All in all feel good about the choices I made.

by Anonymous

reply 29

08/01/2010

You have to get Varilux or some other brand name progressives. The cheap ones NEVER work. You're throwing away money buying cheap progressive lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 30

08/01/2010

That my frames and progressive lenses cost me that amount when I went to Lenscrafters.%0D %0D Guess it's because I don't wear Coke bottles or am a prissy bitch when it comes to "high-end" glasses.

by Anonymous

reply 31

08/01/2010

I buy my progressives on-line at eyeglassdirect.com. My optometrist was skeptical but after talking to the guy who runs it on the phone she told me to go for it. The last pair cost me $108.95 with shipping. No, they are not designer frames but since I can't wear squarish frames which are all the rage now I had to choose something less flashy. They will also put in lenses in any frames you send them. I just didn't want to bother with hunting down frames on the internet. I'm old with double astigmatisms and I'm real happy with this company. The trick is getting a good optometrist to measure your PD correctly.

by Anonymous

reply 33

08/01/2010

I live in California and fortunately my company offers a vision care plan. I didn't pay more than $400.00 for my progressives.

by Anonymous

reply 34

08/01/2010

I also spent a fortune on progressive lenses and I can't wear them. They make me nauseated. Perhaps my mistake was trying it on small lenses. I have to keep my head still at the computer. A shift of an inch and what I am reading is no longer in focus.

by Anonymous

reply 35

08/01/2010

I paid 500 for mine and that included a 20% employee discount. I've always had trouble adjusting to new glasses, but my progessives were the worst. It took over 4 months and I almost gave up. I'm fine now and would really hate have to deal without them.

by Anonymous

reply 36

08/01/2010

At LensCrafters, I just bought thinned progressive lenses that also correct an astigmatism in one eye. The total was $393 with the designer frame (the lenses were half off). I'll pick them up in a day or two.

I'm also going to attempt to use contact lenses with readers (the optometrist advised me to just buy the ones from the drug store racks).

This is all new to me since I've just been suffering along with the poor reading vision for a couple of years, probably out of denial. It sucks getting old so very much.

by Anonymous

reply 37

08/01/2010

Since you are OBVIOUSLY not poor if you have all this money to throw around on glasses, why don't you just get Lasik, fix your eyes permanently, and be done with the whole business?

by Anonymous

reply 38

08/01/2010

Presbyopia, R38.

by Anonymous

reply 39

08/01/2010

What's your religion have to do with it?

by Anonymous

reply 40

08/01/2010

Can you do Lasik surgery for presbyopia? I didn't think so. No, I'm not poor {R38}, but I still want to make sure that I'm not pissing away money. Just want to make sure that I'm getting good quality and value for my money. Not too unreasonable in my mind.

by Anonymous

reply 41

08/01/2010

The eye wear market is a racket of the highest order.

by Anonymous

reply 42

08/01/2010

I Live in NY. I just had to go for a brand new prescription. Im very nearsighted with astigmatism in my left eye. I needed a good pair of glasses since my contacts were drying my eyes out so bad i ended up with swollen corneas (gotta love the forties). I was shocked, My glasses cost $1,100.00..My glasses prior were for distance only and i got a beautiful pair at BJ's (like a costco). My Opthomologist recommended this contact/eye glass specialist but c'mon..who can afford that. The glasses are beautiful and very light weight for my prescription. I also have them tinted so they turn to sunglasses in sunlight. I now need a prescription for contacts. I thought being that the Dr already did an exam i would just have to pay for the contacts themselves...Nay Nay..He told me one has nothing to do with the other and it would cost about $1,000 for contact exam and special contacts for the dry eyes...goodbye contacts!

by Anonymous

reply 43

03/15/2011

94.95 w/ shipping from zennioptical.com. I love 'em .

by Anonymous

reply 44

03/15/2011

Never buy locally!!! Saving a few bucks on some plastic glasses made in China is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than supporting your local economy. Hopefully one day Walmart Optical Centers will be our only choice for shopping and we can all get either the Sarah Palin, The Drew Carey or the Gold Rimmed Serial Killer models. DO NOT SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES!

I guess the Super Rich can have their D&G frames and maybe we might be able to touch their hem.

by Anonymous

reply 45

03/15/2011

Try Costco.%0D %0D Occasionally I have been tempted by promotions from Lenscrafters, etc. but these places end up being a LOT more expensive for progressives, and they have horrible service. They don't train their personnel well at all - the lack of knowledge and expertise was scary. %0D %0D I have tried every eyeglass business I could find and I was never satisfied until I tried Costco. Their frame selection isn't the greatest, but I have been happy with the ones I have found. And the people who work in the optical dept. of my nearest Costco are GREAT - many have been there for 10 years (when I first started going there). Great after-service as well: free adjustments, cleaning, silicone nosepad replacement, etc.%0D %0D %0D

by Anonymous

reply 46

03/15/2011

[quote]Lenses are lenses. Why be progressive? I prefer the classic ones.%0D %0D Should we laugh or cry at this?

by Anonymous

reply 47

03/15/2011

R-38, During my morning commute I was listening to a local eye surgery doctor being interviewed by local DJs. During the discussion the Doctor stated quite clearly that having the eye surgery is NOT a one time thing. Your eyes will continue to change over time as you age and you will need to have your eye laser surgery retweaked every few years. So, in essence, you aren't really saving that much money if it is necessary to spend a few thousand every few years to keep your eyesight up. Not to mention, that if your eye surgeon screws up (which happens pretty often from what I understand) it can't be fixed. One can always buy a new pair of glasses, not so eyeballs.

by Anonymous

reply 48

03/15/2011

There is such ridiculous markup on glasses it ain't funny. Try buying them online or at Costco.

by Anonymous

reply 49

03/15/2011

...perhaps our dear libertarian asshat makes her living as an optometrist or is in love with one?

by Anonymous

reply 50

03/15/2011

They have to be lined up correctly to flow like they should, OP. That doesn't mean that a chain can't do them, but I would not return to the store you went to for the pair that didn't work well. Try another store or branch. I got mine at Lenscrafters and the progressive lenses work fine.

by Anonymous

reply 51

03/15/2011

"and that they were out of warranty"%0D %0D Were you going to try to claim puppy-damage under warranty, OP?

by Anonymous

reply 52

03/15/2011

The older you are when you try progressives, the harder it is to get adjusted to them. The time to get them is right from the start of losing your reading power. As you continue to age and the reading needs adjusting, your brain will easily adjust to a stronger prescription.%0D %0D Varilux dominates the industry and is also what Costco sells you. Lenscrafters uses their own labs to cut the lens and they are nowhere near the quality of a Varilux lens. For some people, they may work fine, but others will notice the difference.%0D %0D My advice is to work with a local optician who you trust (and some of them are crooks too) and they can usually work with you on finding an affordable frame. But Varilux progressives are expensive...at least $400 for a high-index lens.

by Anonymous

reply 53

03/15/2011

A good friend of mine is an optometrist. She told me that progressive lenses, good ones, are very expensive compared to regular lenses. That's really where the cost is; frames are the same regardless, so if you pick expensive frames it's going to add up.

Another friend posted this link on Facebook not long ago, it seems good for a second/spare pair as long as you don't need special lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 54

03/15/2011

yes!

by Anonymous

reply 55

03/16/2011

I got progressives at Costco and I could see through them just fine, but they were very smeary. I had the thinnest leans, the color change from indoors to sunlight and the non-glare coating. My glasses always seemed dirty, though I washed them with soap and water and used microfiber cloths all the time for cleaning. It seemed like I was just spreading a purple smear around on them.%0D %0D My frames were purple, so maybe that had something to do with having purple smears?%0D %0D Also -- the frames broke TWICE. I had to buy new frames both times because you can't insure frames at Costco and the frames were plastic and "unfixable."%0D %0D No more Costco for me.

by Anonymous

reply 56

03/16/2011

r37, I could have (almost) written your post. I have the same problem and I've been given the same advice about the readers with contacts by my doctor. I don't use my glasses for anything other than distance, so I really didn't see a need for progressive lenses, but since my new prescription had the option, I took it. I had the glasses in an hour.%0D %0D I HATED them. I felt like a bobble-head trying to get used to them. I took them back the next day to get regular lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 57

03/16/2011

I have progresssive contact lenses, and while I can see fine through them, they TOTALLY irritate my eyes. I wore regular contacts for years (not the one's you throw away, but the ones that last about a year). And the ones I used to wear were colored, so it made my eyes look nicer.%0D %0D Now I can't wear colored lenses (progressives don't come in colors) and my lenses hurt and they rip very easily.%0D %0D Hate them.

by Anonymous

reply 58

03/16/2011

"I went to a high end glass boutique in Manhattan. They wanted like $350 for the frames alone. Told them I would think about it and asked them to write down the style number and such. Went on-line, found the frames, bought them for $90 and had the lenses put in at the most affordable place I could find in NYC. In the end the total cost was under $300!"

Most NY optical shops WILL NOT write down the manufacturer, style and number of a frame. They usually flat out refuse.

Also, most optical shops don't like to deal with frames bought some place else.

The major reason for this is, if their eyeglass technical screws up the frames while making the eyeglasses, a frame you brought in from another place, is not covered.

I once had a dark metal frame which started flaking within a few days, I brought the glasses back, I got the same frame in a gun metal color, they were fine.

Since the lenses were ground to that specific frame, as well as sized to see out of a specific area due to that frames size, I basically had no choice but to get the same frame.

by Anonymous

reply 59

03/16/2011

eyeglass technician

by Anonymous

reply 60

03/16/2011

I couldn't deal with my first pair of progressive lenses because I chose small ones. They assured me it would be all right, but the distance vision part, which is at the top and gives sharp peripheral vision, was too small. So I didn't have good enough peripheral vision for driving. They replaced them with another pair with bigger lenses and they are fine. Looking in the distance, I can see to the side, but in the middle and near distance it's blurry to the sides and what seems to have happened is I automatically move my head instead of glancing with my eyes, and don't even realise I'm doing it.

by Anonymous

reply 61

03/16/2011

I always buy progressive lenses with the wider peripheral lenses. I think the higher-end Varilux has them. My glasses are always $700 or more, I go to a private optician who knows their way around high astigmatism. Having said that, if I didn't have such a fussy prescription, I still would not go to a JC penney or any place that had newbie opticians fitting your lenses. I would ask around and see who of your friends is satisfied with their optic place. It's very important that the optician knows where your invisible breaks are within the lens and makes sure you buy a frame that can accomodate them. my guy always disappoints me when I try to pick out a small frame, my prescription needs a tad more room because of the many variations in the lens.%0D %0D Costco around here is usually okay, as they have opticians for years... but i would investigate whoever you go to for their experience.%0D %0D btw, i avoid my eye dr's opticians like the plague, as their employees are constantly changing.%0D %0D good luck

by Anonymous

reply 62

03/16/2011

Progressive lenses are simply bi or tri focal lenses without the lines. I've had both and quite frankly I prefer the lenses with the lines. Progressive lenses take quite a bit of getting used to for most people as you can't actually see where the change in the lens is as with the regular bi-focals.

That said, you should go to a discount eyeglass store such as Americas Best to get your glasses. You'll get 2 pairs of glasses for around $175.00 and they have a wide selection of frames. If you don't have an Americas Best nearby just look for discount eye glasses in your yellow pages. In today's economy only a fool would pay a huge sum of money for eyeglass frames which cost the optician around $25.00 a pair maximum.

I paid $9.00 a pair for my last frames. The store had a large selection of last years designer frames they wanted to get rid of.

by Anonymous

reply 63

03/16/2011

Today's progressive lenses are quite superior to any with lines. The secret is the skill of the Optician fitting you. Go to a good Optician and you can wear any progressive he/she fits you with. There are brands and types of progressive that can be very costly. Trust me, there's little difference in any of them except the means of manufacture and the mark up needed for the doctor and or Optician to live comfortably.

If price is and important issue, go to Costco, Sam's or Walmart. Costco has the best pricing of the three, but all three offer a great value compared to chains like Lens Crafters, which is owned by the same company that operates in Taget, Searss and most JC Penny's, Ilori, Sunglass Hut, etc.

Costco uses an excellent all purpose progressive called the Ovation. It's simple to fit and costs about 180.00 dollars for the lenses including hi-index plastic for thin lenses and anti reflective coating (these add ons alone might cost you 180.00 at a regular retail operation) Frames of high quality and signature fashion frames (a real rip off if you ask me) are available at virtually unmatched prices. Very good frames start at around 50 or 60 dollars. If you want the lenses that darken when worn in the sun, add another 60.00.

Remember, when frames require dill holes for rimless and grooving for nylon supported lenses, you'll pay an extra fee for the extra work. This is usually around 25 dollars at Costco but not necessarily charged for at Walmart and Sam's. But, they may be.

Walmart has a much wider selection of lenses but their least expensive is really a quite good performing lens. Anti reflecticon coatings are inexpensive at about 40.00 per pair of lenses coated. Walmart even fits and sells the latest (free form digital lenses by Nikon) and are relitively expensive progressives from Nikon. Just be sure your Optician really knows what he or she is doing. All Costco Opticians are licensed in CA and those states requiring licensing. Only the managers at Walmart and Sam's are licensed. Private doctors usually train their help quite well, but they can hire anyone to work under their doctor's license, so skill levels will vary. Most often, a doctor with a smi skilled dispenser (Optician) with take the measurement him/herself to be sure of a good fit.

We are quite lucky today. There really are no bad lenses when fit by a skilled optician.

by Anonymous

reply 64

03/16/2011

I have worn progressive lenses for years -- at least seven or eight pair of glasses. The wearability of any pair is determined by the fit. The progressive lenses must be fit with precision by someone who knows what they are doing. It is critical that, when you get the glasses, you be sure that the vision areas are correct -- that you can see clearly and easily in the distance, mid, and reading areas. If you cannot, insist that they be adjusted or redone. I like the progressives, although I still use regular magnifying readers when doing extended reading! My suggestion for anyone buying glasses, especially progressives, is that you check out the frames that have magnetic sunglass attachments. You have to ask to see those specific frames, and a good optician will have a decent selection. My most recent pair, purchased in December in Oklahoma, were progressive glasses with a magnetic sunglass attachment. The total cost of the glasses (frames and lens) was about $260. I have spent far more on glasses in the past, but I am perfectly happy with this most recent pair.

by Anonymous

reply 65

03/16/2011

If by "Progressive" you mean "No line" bifocals...I too wasn't able to get used to them. I am a pilot and was advised by a friend who wears bifocals not to get the progressives because they mess with your depth perception. I bought a pair anyway and almost wrecked an airplane due to depth related problems landing. No more...I went back to the lined bifocals; problem solved...no blown out tires, either.

by Anonymous

reply 66

03/16/2011

I get my glasses with progressive lenses through my eye doctor and it usually runs about $650. Places like Lenscrafter or Sears just do not get the lenses right.

by Anonymous

reply 67

03/16/2011

I just read a Consumer's Report magazine that said that Costco was the best places to get lenses. They were most consistent in getting the prescription right. I was surprised at how poorly the chain eyeglass stores rated.

by Anonymous

reply 68

03/16/2011

r44 -- did they fit just right? Were the lenses good?

by Anonymous

reply 70

03/17/2011

I just got progressives last week, from Lenscrafters at 43 and Lexington.

I've been wearing glasses since I was 5, and boy, most of you know nothing about glasses!%0D %0D %0D I go to a great optometrist. Find someone who knows shat s/he is doing -- it will make your life a LOT easier. The machines that WalMart uses to diagnose your eyes are notoriously difficult to keep adjusted properly, so they tend to give wrong prescriptions more often than not. So make sure your prescription is correct -- go to an optometrist that sits you in the chair and flips those lenses back and forth to diagnose your issue.%0D %0D %0D Secondly, SHOP AROUND!! Glasses are worth it. And I feel sorry for you NYers. I go to optical shops where you serve yourself for the most part, and I can write down the frame # myself while I'm trying on frames undisturbed . If you have to go to Jersey to find this, go to Jersey. %0D %0D %0D In my experience, shops where they make their lenses on-site (Lenscrafters, etc.) are the worst. If you can, go to a smaller shop where they send their lenses out to a lab. They're more accurate -- and in my experience, much cheaper.%0D %0D %0D I am very picky about my frames -- I've been wearing glasses for 48 years (!) and I know what looks good on my face. I also know that some types of glasses are easier to break than others. Stay away from wire rims, unless they have the nylon string around the bottom. The screws come out, the lenses fall out, and they are just a pain in the ass.%0D %0D %0D I got used to progressives right away, OP -- my guess is that your prescription is wrong. If it was correct, you wouldn't have any problems. Like I said, find a good dr. and ask around about a good optical shop, because they are NOT all created the same. These are your eyes we're talking about. You don't want to fuck up when it comes to your eyes.%0D %0D %0D And BTW, my last pair (three months ago,and very stylish) cost about $350.

by Anonymous

reply 73

03/17/2011

I'm just amazed at how many morons are dumb enough to go out and pay exorbitant sums for prescription glasses. I'd eat maggots before I'd pay $700.00 for a pair of glasses. This is why so many gay men end up old and poor after their working days are over. You fools wouldn't know the value of a dollar if your lives depended on it.

And trust me, you don't look or see one bit better than people who buy their glasses from discount stores for $150.00 a pair. If you think you do you're only deluding yourselves.

by Anonymous

reply 74

03/17/2011

OK, I'm very nearsighted with astigmatism. Last pair was $700 and I put off getting new because I knew the price would probably be even higher now. I decided to try online, Zenni Optical, thanks to a thread here!. Gotta tell ya, very strong prescription, progressive lenses, coatings with shipping, total $116.00

Easy to order. Look on the arm of your current glasses and they should have the frames size on it and match that up to the new frames or you can measure them yourself and just convert to mm's. I went to a local optician and had an exam for $45 and they have to give a copy of it and you can order unlimited glasses with that prescription so it is a small investment for the outcome.

Too good to be true I thought, but I have to tell you. I ordered the the day before Christmas and they arrived exactly two weeks to the day, faster than a store could get them, even as a kid, one hour glasses were a fantasy for me.

Now, I'm not a shill and I have to say I opened the box and nervously put them on and I can not be any happier. I chose a retro look, the kind guys wore in the 50's or on Mad Men. They are built like a brick shit house, so solid. I have gotten alot of compliments on the look. I love them.

The lenses are perfect, thinner than I have ever had them, I went for the 1.67 progressive no line and they even offer an even thinner lens that what I chose. I can read the fine print again. I can say I'm actually thrilled to know I can have a few pair now, that would have been a luxury in my past. I think if you had trouble with progressives before, the lens size in the frame might have been too small. Unfortunately you can't get the new really tiny frames because you have to have the surface space to get all the prescriptions in there and maybe the eyeglass place sold you a too small frame. On Zenni they tell you ahead of time the frame isn't suitable for progressives. Tells you what the mark up is if they can provide all that I got and still made a profit

by Anonymous

reply 75

03/17/2011

I have had progressives for about ten years. Getting an optician who will talk to you about useage and getting the proportions right of the gradient are key. Also, if this is your first pair, give yourself several weeks to adjust. I was so disoriented and dizzy for two weeks. I almost threw them away, then suddenly my brain adjusted and I would never give up progressives now!

by Anonymous

reply 76

03/17/2011

OP-%0D %0D I'm very, very nearsighted. I also wear a progressive lens with a prism in both lenses due to astigmatism.%0D %0D My lenses are the newest, thinnest type of panamic progressive with transition coating/treatment.%0D %0D I paid 525.00 for the lenses and 200.00 for the frames - cash, no insurance.

by Anonymous

reply 77

03/17/2011

If you have bad eyes, it really pays to spend.

I wear glasses all day long so comfort and looks matter. You are going to have the frames for years, so why not splurge.

And yes, progressive lens are expensive. I spent about $400 on progressive's at LenCrafters. Make sure that they measure you completely. I did not at the local place at where I had my first progressives and they bothered me a lot because the focal point was not correctly aligned (I later learned).

by Anonymous

reply 78

03/17/2011

Did anyone answer R20? No, you don't have to be a CostCo member to see the eye doctor or buy glasses/contacts. You also don't need to be a member to use the pharmacy or to buy alcohol (at least in Michigan).

by Anonymous

reply 79

03/17/2011

I live in NYC and just got progressive lenses last month. I went to Cohen's Optical and chose one of their $99 frames. In all I paid $280 and my insurance covered $100 so I was only responsible for $180.%0D %0D There's no reason to sent $500-$600 on eyeglasses unless you want designer frames. Mine are are a generic brand but are fine for my needs.

by Anonymous

reply 80

03/17/2011

thanks, r75.

I just might try them.

by Anonymous

reply 81

03/17/2011

Zenni Optical has a lot of complaints against them. %0D %0D They also don't carry frames in my size. I have all the measurements and Zenni ain't got em.

by Anonymous

reply 82

03/17/2011

I went to a Cosco once on a friends recommendation and filled a cart with things. When I got to the register they told me I could not buy anything without a membership. They were really rude and treated me like a shoplifter.

Why not let you know upfront when you come in that there is a "membership" fee? Its a scam. Get you to want lots of thing and then charge you a huge surcharge that cancels out any savings.

I would never buy anything thing from that place.

by Anonymous

reply 83

03/17/2011

R83, how did the fact you need a membership to buy the regular goods and groceries escape you? They even ask you at the door to see your membership card. If you tell them you're just going to the pharmacy or to have your eyes checked, they wave you through.

by Anonymous

reply 84

03/17/2011

Mary!

by Anonymous

reply 86

03/17/2011

R87 left out Costco and eyeglass wearers.

by Anonymous

reply 88

03/17/2011

[quote]Zenni Optical has a lot of complaints against them... They also don't carry frames in my size. I have all the measurements and Zenni ain't got em.

Your size? What's wrong with your head? You realize that the measurements don't have to exact to your current frames don't you? They can different up or down a few millimeters.

by Anonymous

reply 89

03/17/2011

R. 87--You make some good points but the treatment that R. 85 experienced at Costco is much, much worse than anything you address.

by Anonymous

reply 90

03/17/2011

Fuck off, R87.

I have heard good things about ZenniOptical from some people I know. A guy even showed me his glasses from their. They seemed really great, and cheap. I'm just a little weird about buying frames that I cannot try on.

What complaints, R82?

by Anonymous

reply 91

03/18/2011

s

by Anonymous

reply 92

03/18/2011

An interesting bit of information: While Optometrist, Ophthalmologist and most skilled Opticians have licenses, the people who grind your lenses in the laboratory have no professional licenses supporting their skill and training level. Of course, when they don't know what they are doing, wearers of lenses from their lab usually don't see very well.

by Anonymous

reply 93

03/18/2011

Mine cost $800 dollars on sale from an upscale optical store. I could get them from Costco but chose this route because I wanted a more fashionable frame and because the sales rep was great at helping me choose frames that compliment my face. A friend referred her. I think it is like clothes, you can get good quality practical clothes that will last from Sears and there is not a thing wrong with that.....but you can also spend more on designer clothes. A personal choice between you and your budget.

by Anonymous

reply 94

04/28/2011

Didn't read the whole thread so hope I'm not repeating - I bought some progressive lens about 10 years ago. Independent store in D.C. The glasses were then over $400 - luckily at the time I had an insurance company discount (Blue Cross) of maybe 10 or 15 percent. %0D %0D I couldn't get used to the progressive lens at first so I started wearing the regular lens, super thin ever-so-stylish frames instead. Well, they broke in a NY minute and I tried the progressive lens again and adjusted just fine. In fact I missed them after they broke many years later. It was nice to be able to see near and far with the same pair of glasses.

by Anonymous

reply 95

04/28/2011

For those thinking of buying progressive lenses- if you need them for driving, or will wear them when moving around (even just walking) DON'T waste your money. Had to get mine remade as single vision. Just walking with them on made me dizzy.

by Anonymous

reply 96

05/02/2012

Really, R96? I made the transition to progressives about 10 years ago--well made glasses from an independent store in SF. The glasses are on the small side, so it took me a while to get used to them, but once I did it made a world of difference. I recently got new prescription sunglasses--again, from an independent boutique in NYC. I decided to forgo the progressive lenses to reduce costs, and regret it every time I wear them. If I'm outside and want to read a menu or check my phone, I have to take the sunglasses off. Major annoyance.

by Anonymous

reply 97

05/02/2012

If you are having problems adjusting to progressives, just stick with it. It may take your brain as long as a couple of weeks to "get it" but once you do it will be ok. And wonderful. Don't give up too soon.

by Anonymous

reply 98

05/02/2012

Bitch Bitch Bitch

by Anonymous

reply 99

05/02/2012

I walked out of my eye doctor's office wearing progressive contact lenses and was delighted to see my dashboard for the first time in years without having to wear reading glasses. I was told I would have to get used to them, wear a little bit at a time, blah, blah, blah. My neighbor who always has drug reactions and refuses to get vaccines and who breaks out in the sun and can't wear SPF and won't have anything non-organic in her home told me how HORRIBLE her progressive eyeglasses were and how she could never even THINK of progressive lenses. I was wary. I popped in the lenses and they were great! I only needed 1.00 reading glasses for teeny weeny print.

I went to Costco and got progressive eyeglasses for about $300 and they were absolutely fine as well.

Both the progressive contacts and the progressive eyeglasses beat being blind as a bat!

by Anonymous

reply 100

05/02/2012

[quote] This was about five or six years ago so it may be different now

I've been going to Costco for 10 years and always had to show my membership card. Maybe the door checker was distracted when you entered.

by Anonymous

reply 101

05/02/2012

Eyebuydirect.com

by Anonymous

reply 102

05/02/2012

Regarding Costco, my experience with them has been less than stellar. What they call progressives are really no-line trifocals. They either don't know or won't admit to knowing the difference. The focal area is so small it's limited to characters within a word. I had them adjusted four times with little difference. I traded them in for lined tri-focals and the lenses are so poor they have distortions in them. From what I've read elsewhere, Costco may use top of the line manufacturers but they're using the cheapest that is offered. Much like FoMoCo makes both Lincoln Navigators and Ford Explorers.

by Anonymous

reply 103

06/02/2012

You can get a pair of progressive lenses with dark and light transition for about $250 with or without insurance, including frames. The regular price can be $700 without insurance.

by Anonymous

reply 105

06/08/2012

You can get a pair of progressive lenses with dark and light transition for about $250 with or without insurance, including frames. The regular price can be $700 without insurance.

I got some very nice progressive lenses through Goggles4u on line for a whopping total of $38.00 including taxes and shipping. Eyewear is one of the biggest scams out there

by Anonymous

reply 108

12/06/2012

Only got through the first page, but don't you people have a vision plan? Mine paid for my exam and about 2/3 of the total package - the frames were about $340 - and the rest I took out of my Flexpay account.

No out-of-pocket at all.

by Anonymous

reply 109

12/06/2012

If you don't have a current Rex you can't get glasses. If you don't know that than you don't know the law

by Anonymous

reply 110

12/12/2012

In LA. My progressives were $700, and that was with insurance.

by Anonymous

reply 111

12/12/2012

Progressive Lenses are no-line bifocals.

by Anonymous

reply 112

01/17/2013

[quote]Have any of you had difficulties adjusting to progressive lenses?

No, but I know how you feel about the mishap. The only glasses I ever had that were damaged were due to our new puppy chewing on them.

by Anonymous

reply 114

01/19/2013

r114 again. The strange thing about those glasses is that I was in the military. They lasted through battle conditions but were taken out of service by a cute puppy.

by Anonymous

reply 115

01/19/2013

I got progressive lens and hated them. when I asked for no line bifocals, they said that progressive lens are no line bifocals. My vision isn't that bad for distance yet so my vision was worse with the progressive than without them. I could not see my computer at work and I have dual monitors. I have a problem knowing that my eye muscles will atrophy from lack of use and my peripheral vision may be affected also from lack of use. My eyes felt cross eyed with the progressive lenses, especially after taking them off. I have had reading glasses for over 10 years and was just beginning to need distance glasses. I saw a different optomitrist than my usual guy. Won't make that mistake again. Now talked me into lined bifocals. Getting older is not for wimps.

by Anonymous

reply 116

06/23/2013

I got mine at Costco and I am super happy. Instead of paying like $600 per pair. I paid $275 with frames.

Progressives are better than bi-focals. They certainly look better!

Here is a link to detail explanation of what progressive lenses are and what are the advantage and disadvantages.

by Anonymous

reply 117

06/24/2013

Chewed glasses are your fault for leaving your glasses, shoes etc. where a puppy can get them. If you have young children or puppies your home MUST be child/puppy proofed. Otherwise, fatal situations can develop quickly because they don't know not to touch things.

by Anonymous

reply 118

09/11/2013

I've ordered progressives online many times and have only been unsatisfied twice. Zenni screwed mine up and they screwed my sister's up. Hence, I won't order progressives from Zenni again. I have ordered from 39dollarglasses.com several times and have loved each and every pair. As long as you put the correct information into the computer, there shouldn't be a problem. The only thing is that they are a little more expensive being progressive lenses [they cost almost $125 vs $39 if you choose a $39 frame]. Goggles4U.com is fairly good. However, the wait time to get my last pair was over a month and a half!! I later found out that they shipped them overseas to make them. That did not impress me at all. But they were cheaper. For the most part, I've had few problems ordering progressives online. You just have to make sure that you are entering the correct information in the correct place.

by Anonymous

reply 119

02/16/2015

OP, I must be very lucky because I had no problem adjusting to progressive lenses.

You're paying way too much for your glasses. I've always had good luck at Eyemart or Four Eyes.

Best to you.

by Anonymous

reply 120

02/16/2015

Walmart sells less expense glasses if the budget is important to you. I was surprise how nice some of the less expensive frames were at Lenscrafters. I bought some spares for less than $100. I did not buy progressive but got two pairs.

by Anonymous

reply 121

02/16/2015

I almost had to buy progressive lenses but I am boderline so the person didn't recommend it. It would have cost $800 or so. I have a kind of crooked nose (though I never claimed to be with the Seals or saw dead bodies floating), so I have to have my eyes and nose measured - I'd be afraid to buy online for this reason.

by Anonymous

reply 122

02/16/2015

Go to Costco, Sam's Club or Walmart. The price will be less than half of what your private practice will charge, about half of what your Penny's will charge and all three will sell you a higher quality lens at the lower price. The Costco lens price includes high index material for thinner lenses, with anti reflective coating too. I think it's about 180 for their best lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 123

02/16/2015

Progressives are not for everyone. I hated them and still wear contacts or single vision lenses.

by Anonymous

reply 124

02/16/2015

Avoid the digital progressives. They offer little to no benefit over conventionally cast progressives. They cost double or triple (depending the gouging formula used) and in low to moderate powers are somewhat inferior, depending on the manufacturer. They're simply not worth the cost. Keep in mind, at Costco, high index and AR are included in the price for the lenses. That can be a 200 dollar up charge at most other practices.

by Anonymous

reply 125

02/16/2015

R124, do you think it would be better to have two pairs of glasses, one for distance and one for reading?

by Anonymous

reply 126

02/16/2015

My eye doctor just changed my prescription.

I told him I wanted to avoid reading glasses at all costs... because I despise glasses. I don't even like to wear sunglasses.

Since I'm left eye dominant, my left eye prescription went to -4.75(for distance) and my right was lowered a touch to -3.00(for reading).

I probably won't be able to get away with this for forever, especially if my left eye ever needs something stronger.

When I can't, I'll switch to progressive lenses.

If it wasn't unhealthy, I would never take out my lenses. I love waking up and being able to see, and I could easily sleep in them for months at a time.

by Anonymous

reply 127

02/16/2015

I've used Zenni Optical - inexpensive, great selection and the glasses are great.

I recommend insisting whoever does your examine also give you your pupil distance. Not everyone includes it in the prescription - it is critical information.

As a matter of fact if they are resistant go someplace else.

by Anonymous

reply 128

02/16/2015

R126 I got progressives 6 months ago and although I adjusted to them alright, my head is exhausted at the end of the day. They're okay for reading and computer work, but I don't love them for distance. I'm probably going to switch to two pairs going forward.

by Anonymous

reply 129

02/16/2015

R129, Thanks for answering. Maybe that is what I will do, too.

by Anonymous

reply 130

02/16/2015

R126, along with the results of my eye test and new prescription, my ophthalmologist includes the strength I should get for reading glasses and computer glasses.

It saves a lot of neck strain, especially when I'm using a desktop.

by Anonymous

reply 131

02/16/2015

Different glasses for reading and computer use?

by Anonymous

reply 132

02/16/2015

You're at different distances from what you're reading, R132.

by Anonymous

reply 133

02/16/2015

Yes, you are right. Do you have separate pairs for that, R133?

by Anonymous

reply 134

02/16/2015

I hate wearing progressives while I'm using the computer. It kills my neck to hold it in such a tight position. I have a separate pair that has just my computer prescription.

by Anonymous

reply 135

02/16/2015

I do, R134. I keep a pair next to my computer and another next to my book and Kindle.

He recommends that his patients not spend money on prescription reading glasses, so I buy them from a store or online.

No tears if my dog eats them.

by Anonymous

reply 136

02/16/2015

thanks everyone. I guess I will eventually need three pairs of glasses!

by Anonymous

reply 137

02/16/2015

R137, I have a progressive pair of glasses. I wear them when I'm not at the computer. They make restaurant-going much less difficult. I also have the computer prescription. I usually take my glasses off to read (book or Kindle), but maybe I should get a pair of drugstore readers.

by Anonymous

reply 138

02/16/2015

How do progressive lenses help re restaurant-going?

by Anonymous

reply 139

02/16/2015

Go to Warby Parker. They'll male you your glasses.

Or just get Lasix, you cheap bastards.

by Anonymous

reply 140

02/16/2015

R139, I'm not the poster who said that but I agree with him. You can read the menu and look over it at the rest of the world.

by Anonymous

reply 141

02/16/2015

R139, what R141 said. They're good for being out in the world, where you have to see things far and close.

Warby Parker used to let you try on all of their frames at home, but as they grew more popular, they reduced the number of frames "available for Home Try-On." They do make progressives now, though. They're $279 IIRC, not their usual $95.

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